Official Opening of the "ACTIVE Centre"

As reported in the summer edition of the Newsletter The Rt Hon Jacquie Smith MP (Deputy Minister for Women & Equality) was invited to officially open the ACTIVE Centre on 24 May.
Luckily it was a beautiful, sunny day (a good omen I think) the Minister arrived, and scissors at the ready cut the ribbon and declared the Centre open; photographs were taken and all who came then enjoyed a buffet lunch.
Our thanks to the Minister, Deputy Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr R Lawrence, R Marris MP, Staff for attending and for the best wishes received from those who could not be there.
Maureen Staddon, PA to Chief Executive

Our Referral Process

The Haven Wolverhampton operates a 24 hour service to women and children escaping Domestic Violence and who are homeless due to reasons such as family breakdown, harassment and forced marriages. Within that service is the fundamental, all important Referral Line; this line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, staff is always on hand to offer advice, support and primarily to aid in finding safe accommodation within The Haven (if spaces are available) or with other organisations across the Midlands and further a field if required.

As Referrals Administrator, working from 9.30 - 5.00pm, part of my role is to empower women by helping them realise that they have choices outside of their current situation and I endeavour to meet their needs within The Haven's remit. To enable me to do this effectively I spend a lot of time liaising with multi agencies such as Social Services, Housing Departments, Police and Women's Aid projects up and down the country so I then have a wider knowledge as to what options each caller has available to them for their individual needs. I am always aware of any vacancies we have and fulfil the role advising of availability to keep our hostels to their full capacity at all times. I ensure that I also have alternative accommodation ready for referrals we are unable to assist due to lack of bed space. I receive masses of calls from women who are not looking for hostel accommodation but simply want someone to talk to, listen and acknowledge their situation with someone who has a non judgmental view. It is my experience that vulnerable women who can access and call the referral line 24 hours a day plays a great part in helping them learn to cope with their situation when they are not yet ready to break free from the violence and abuse which caused them to ring us in the first place.
In the last 12 months during my working day I have received calls from more than 4000 women who are victims of abuse from a partner, friend, stranger or family member. It is to be noted that these calls are daytime calls only. This number does not include calls received by out of hour's staff after 5.30pm or on a weekend which is a very busy time for staff.
For every woman who calls I endeavour to offer the best advice and support I can to the best of my knowledge and will continue to grow in empathy for the benefit of the women and children I am here to support via The Haven Wolverhampton' Referral Line.

Kelly Ward (Referrals Administrator)



Huge Congratulations are extended to Popinder Kaur on her status as
Ambassador of the City of Wolverhampton!

It is a privilege to be registered as one of the Ambassadors for the City of Wolverhampton. In this capacity I will do my best to promote the work being done in the City and help maintain good standards. This will also give me an opportunity to disseminate the work being done in relation to Domestic Violence and The Haven Wolverhampton.

Letter from the Chief Executive

Welcome to our Autumn Newsletter. Again, the previous quarter has seen The Haven Staff Team involved in many strategic and operational issues leading to improved services for women and children that access our holistic services, my thanks to you all for your tireless efforts over the Summer months. On a Regional level, we have supported the development of the Voluntary Sector Regional Housing Network which holds its first AGM on the 27th September at the Wood Brook Centre, Bristol Road, Birmingham.

This Network is important to refuge providers as it enables the safe, supported accommodation that we provide to stay on the development agenda through the housing networks. The first Board, which will be elected through an open process, is open to all Members.

An important development for The Haven is the new build of a service to support women and children that experience domestic violence and have associated mental health problems as a result (see further on in this Newsletter). My continued thanks to all staff and partners that are assisting in making this much-needed initiative a reality.

Another initiative which has been very exciting is the development of CRARG (Web site: www.crarg.org.uk). The five members of this new initiative, co-ordinated by Diana Barron, has delivered an "Information" event in London and is in the process of developing an independent accredited advocacy programme to train advocates to support domestic violence cases; as you may know Wolverhampton is one of five areas that has a Domestic Violence Court which has been in operation for 2 years, and those going through the Court system are supported by Jennie Moore, Criminal Justice Support Services Co-ordinator. The Haven supports this work by acting as the accountable body for employment of Jennie's role; however the Steering Group supports and guides the work. The Government spending review announced recently cited this area of work for further development to expand Domestic Violence Courts nationally. There will be a great need for advocacy support.

We continue to support our partners in Uzbekistan who are experiencing difficulties at the moment; the Women's Centre has had some Government interventions which have not been helpful, there is a lot of unrest and the women are working in extreme conditions. Our partners in Ekaterinburg are moving forward developments to extend training to Justice of the Peace Officers in the Courts. We have been able to support with a small grant for materials, etc., through the FATE Trust. Many thanks to all FATE Members and those who participated in various challenges to enable this work to continue.

There is excellent work developing in the City of Wolverhampton through the Domestic Violence Forum, the Community Safety Partnerships, Health, Education, etc., in relation to new initiatives and support for victims of domestic violence. It is encouraging to be part of this, and I trust through our partnership work we will develop seamless services in a co-ordinated response at a time of crisis in the lives of women and children that experience domestic violence.

"If you are in the process of developing a policy or require training in relation to domestic violence The Haven has standard training available or tailor-made to fit your organisation or business - please contact Alison or Andrea on 01902 572140. You may have seen the article in the Black Country Chamber Newsletter "Alert" about our work which was well received."

Kath Rees
Chief Executive

Page 1..
- ACTIVE centre opens
- Our Referral Process
- Ambassador of Wolverhampton
- Letter from the Chief Executive

Page 2..
- Supporting Women with Mental Health Problems due to Domesic Violence
- Women's Mental Ill Health Strategy Day
- Summer Programme
- The Haven Summer Fete
- Developing Partnerships

Page 3..
- The ClothesLine
- Welcome New Staff

From April to June 2004, The Haven Wolverhampton received referrals from 308 women and 230 children. We were able to accommodate 104 women and their children.

Visit our website at www.havenrefuge.org.uk for details of how you can make a difference.

Our business office number is 01902 572140, fax: 01902 572144.
For referrals and 24 hour emergency assistance only, please call 01902 713001.
Business Administration Office:
26, Chapel Ash,
Wolverhampton.

You can also email us at info@havenrefuge.org.uk

The Haven Wolverhampton aims to provide quality and sensitive services to women and any dependent children who are homeless through reasons such as Domestic Violence and in need of safety, shelter, stability and support within an environment of equality, dignity and respect.

Don't forget to support The ClothesLine. Open Monday - Friday, 10:00am to 4:00pm. 26, Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton. Telephone 01902 572134.